Unit information: Petrological Phase Equilibria in 2012/13

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Unit name Petrological Phase Equilibria
Unit code EASCM1003
Credit points 10
Level of study M/7
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 1B (weeks 7 - 12)
Unit director Professor. Walter
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

EASC20035 Mineralogy & Petrology
Co-requisites

N/A
School/department School of Earth Sciences
Faculty Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

Melting in the Earth is controlled by multi-component phase equilibria. Likewise, crystallisation and differentiation of melt depends on the relevant mineral-melt phase relations. Predicting the kinds of melts that can be produced in Earth through melting and crystallisation processes requires a thorough understatnding of the chemical and thermodynamic basis of melting phase equilibria. In this course we will take a systematic approach to the construction and interpretation of phase diagrams in both simplified and complex chemical systems related to Earth's mantle and core. We will explore geometric, algebraic, and thermodynamic descriptions of melting phase relations. These tools will be used to assess the modern understanding of melting and crystallisation processes that occurred during the early formative period of Earth's history (the Hadean), throughout it's evolution, and in the current state.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the unit students will:

  • be able to perform a rigorous treatment of multi-component phase equilibria, beginning with the Gibbs phase rule.
  • become proficient in the construction and interpretation of binary and ternary phase diagrams, and will learn the basics of the linear algebraic approach for describing higher order phase relations.
  • understand basic thermodynamic approaches for describing phase relations.
  • understand how the phase equilibrium approach can be used to provide a framework for understanding melting and crystallisation processes in Earth

Teaching Information

Lectures and practicals.

Assessment Information

There will be a closed examination including questions based on the entire course (50%), and the coursework will be continuously assessed (50%).

Reading and References

Presnall, D. (1969) The geometrical analysis of partial fusion. Am. J. Science, 267, 1178-94; Ehlers, E. (1987) The Interpretation of Geological Phase Diagrams. Dover Press, 280 p; Ghiorso, M. (1997) Thermodynamic models of igneous processes. Ann. Rev. Earth Planet Sci, 25, 221-241; Morse, S. (1980) Basalts and Phase Diagrams: An Introduction to the Quantitative Use of Phase Diagrams in Igneous Petrology, Springer, 493p; Walter, M. (2003) Melt extraction and compositional variability in mantle lithosphere. Treatise on Geochemistry, Vol. 2, Chapter 8, p. 363-394.

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